El Paso public health officials declared a heat emergency Wednesday while authorities in Juárez also took measures to deal with a record-baking string of 100-plus degree days predicted to continue until next week.

It hit 107 on Wednesday, shattering the previous record of 103 in 1990, said the National Weather Service office in Santa Teresa. Another record hot day is expected today.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the El Paso region through midnight Friday.

"The long run of excessive heat can have an accumulative affect on those at risk for heat related illnesses," the advisory stated. "This heat streak is expected to continue well into next week with just a small dip in the temperatures over the weekend."

REPORTER

Aaron Martinez

The El Paso's Department of Public Health on Wednesday declared an extreme weather emergency at a press conference at City Hall after five days of temperatures reaching more than 100 degrees including four that set new records.

"The health department has officially declared an extreme weather emergency here in the El Paso area due to the high temperatures we have been seeing and we expect to continue to see," said Robert Resendes, director of the city's Department of Public Health. "We want to do the best we can to make sure no one suffers needlessly and we will provide resources to the community to help keep them safe."

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El Paso set record high temperatures on Saturday (102 degrees), Monday (104 degrees), Tuesday (109 degrees) and Wednesday (107 degrees). Temperatures will remain in the 100s for the next few days, said Tim Brice, a meteorologist for the National weather Service in Santa Teresa.

"Yesterday (Tuesday) we had a record high of 109 which was seven degrees above the record high of 102," Brice said.

It was so hot on Tuesday that El Paso tied Death Valley, Calif., for the national high temperature of the day.

Even at night, temperatures may not drop below 80 degrees for the next few nights, the National Weather Service advisory said.

On Wednesday evening, Juárez Mayor Enrique Serrano Escobar and public and private health officials met regarding the heat wave hitting the border. Juárez authorities plan to open shelters for residents to avoid the heat during peak hours, they will make sure schools have enough water and information on heat safety is distributed to low-income neighborhoods.

Chihuahua state civil protection authorities also issued a warning because of extreme heat expected for the next three days across the state.

The heat emergency in El Paso was declared after a recommendation from the city's Extreme Weather Task Force, which is comprised from various city departments and local agencies, officials said.

As part of the extreme weather emergency declaration, the city will be offering additional services to the community to avoid any heat-related health issues. The services include providing donated fans to needy community members, welfare checkup calls on elderly residents and letting residents know about free venues open to them to help escape the heat. Some of the locations include public libraries, malls and park and recreation facilities, officials said.

Health officials are advising residents to stay indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoid leaving children, elderly and pets alone in cars.

"Can't stress this enough, especially for this week, with kids and pets please don't leave them in the car," Resendes said. "This is just a tragedy waiting to happen. Our babies, we need to keep them safe because they can't take care of themselves. We need to keep them hydrated and cool. Like most public health issues, our very young and very old are most at risk."

Officials are also asking the public to be aware of the signs of heat stroke, which include high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headaches, dizziness, nausea and confusion. If anyone is experience any of these symptoms, they are advised to get immediate medical treatment.

There have been no heat-related deaths so far this season with only one heat-related illness case reported, said Hector Ocaranza of the El Paso City/County Health Authority.

"We had one heat-related death last year," Ocaranza said. "We hope with all the information we are providing today and all the resources available we will reduce the number of heat-related illnesses, but as the temperatures go up it is possible it (number of heat-related illnesses) will go up. But hopefully with all of the information and resources we can reduce the number."

For more information on services, programs and tips to avoid heat-related health issues, call 211 or visit ephealth.com.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at 546-6249.

Times Reporter Daniel Borunda contributed to this report.

Heat Safety

•Drink more water. Don't wait until thirsty.

•Avoid liquids with alcohol or large amounts of sugar.

•Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place. If your home doesn't have air conditioning, visit a library or shopping mall.

•Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

•Do not leave babies, children, senior citizens or pets in a parked vehicle.